As I reflected on Psalm 99 this week, it occurred to me that I need to spend more time recalling the things that the Lord has done, as well as the many aspects of His name. As Psalm 99:1-3 says, "The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; He sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the Lord in Zion; He is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise Your great and awesome name!" So today, here are my offerings of praise:
I praise You Lord...
Because You reign far above all other gods...
Because Your plans will stand forever...
Because You are close to the broken-hearted and You save those who are crushed in spirit...
Because You redeemed my life from the pit and put a song of praise in my mouth...
Because You will supply all of my needs according to Your riches in Christ Jesus...
Because You have compassion on me...
Because You will never leave me, nor forsake me...
Because Your love never fails...
Because all things work together for good for those who love You, who are called according to Your purpose...
Because You are near to all who call on You in truth...
Because You have given me everything I need pertaining to life and godliness...
Because You do immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine...
Because You are faithful to Your promises...
Because You are worthy of my praise!
Lord I praise Your name today:
Because You are the Holy and Anointed One, the Beginning and the End...
Because You are my Deliverer, Healer and Provider...
Because You are my Strength, my Rock, My Fortress...
Because You are My Redeemer and Restorer...
Because You are my Light and my Salvation...
Because You are my Shield and My Defender, the Ancient of Days...
Because You are the Great I AM, the Living God...
Because You are the name that is above every other name!
"Great is the Lord and worthy to be praise...Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength...Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name! (Psalm 95:4,7)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
More Than Gold
A couple of weeks ago, so many of us were "glued" to the T.V., as we watched the Olympic athletes amaze us with their incredible abilities. Each gymnast, swimmer, runner, etc. seemed to perform his/her athletic event with such ease. Michael Phelps, who has repeatedly won gold medals, created the illusion that swimming in the Olympic races is easy. However, we all know that it is no easy task to become an Olympic athlete.
I once knew of a gymnast who trained for the Olympics and she put her entire life on hold to pursue this dream. For months, she trained for 8-10 hours per day, giving ultimate sacrifices with a strict diet, curfew and social restrictions. She left her school, her family, her friends and everything familiar to press toward the goal of competing in the Olympic Games.
The apostle Paul had also observed the Olympic Games in his day, for they are nearly as ancient as civilization itself. Paul was what I would consider to be an Olympic Christian. He left all of the comforts of life to do the work of evangelism and follow his calling to the Lord Jesus. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul gives us a beautiful illustration of the life of a Christian who is pursuing his/her goal to know the Lord--everything is a loss compared to knowing Him. In verse 10, he continues to want to know Christ even more, to share in the fellowship of His suffering...Here is what Paul says concerning His relationship with Christ in verses 12-14: "Not that I have obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
In this passage of Scripture, Paul is obviously making comparisons to a runner who is striving toward the finish line to win a race. These verses give me a new perspective about goals, dreams and prizes. When I see the Olympic athletes from the U.S.A. receive a gold medal, and the American flag is raised while the National Anthem is being played, I always get a tear in my eye. However, how much greater will our prize be, when we stand before Jesus face to face to receive the rewards that He has prepared for us. How much greater will our prize be than a piece of metal or a plastic trophy when we fully understand the priceless gift of a relationship with the Lord of Lords who gives us everlasting purpose. Let us look toward what is ahead and press toward the goal to receive the prize (which is much greater than gold) of the high calling of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.
More than gold, More than silver,
More than bronze is Your worthy to me...
I press toward the mark of the high calling
Of Jesus Christ Who is the Prize
Of my life...
I once knew of a gymnast who trained for the Olympics and she put her entire life on hold to pursue this dream. For months, she trained for 8-10 hours per day, giving ultimate sacrifices with a strict diet, curfew and social restrictions. She left her school, her family, her friends and everything familiar to press toward the goal of competing in the Olympic Games.
The apostle Paul had also observed the Olympic Games in his day, for they are nearly as ancient as civilization itself. Paul was what I would consider to be an Olympic Christian. He left all of the comforts of life to do the work of evangelism and follow his calling to the Lord Jesus. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul gives us a beautiful illustration of the life of a Christian who is pursuing his/her goal to know the Lord--everything is a loss compared to knowing Him. In verse 10, he continues to want to know Christ even more, to share in the fellowship of His suffering...Here is what Paul says concerning His relationship with Christ in verses 12-14: "Not that I have obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
In this passage of Scripture, Paul is obviously making comparisons to a runner who is striving toward the finish line to win a race. These verses give me a new perspective about goals, dreams and prizes. When I see the Olympic athletes from the U.S.A. receive a gold medal, and the American flag is raised while the National Anthem is being played, I always get a tear in my eye. However, how much greater will our prize be, when we stand before Jesus face to face to receive the rewards that He has prepared for us. How much greater will our prize be than a piece of metal or a plastic trophy when we fully understand the priceless gift of a relationship with the Lord of Lords who gives us everlasting purpose. Let us look toward what is ahead and press toward the goal to receive the prize (which is much greater than gold) of the high calling of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.
More than gold, More than silver,
More than bronze is Your worthy to me...
I press toward the mark of the high calling
Of Jesus Christ Who is the Prize
Of my life...
Monday, August 25, 2008
A Symphony of Praise
When I was in elementary school, my teacher conducted an experiment with our class. She asked us to listen to every sound we could possibly hear in the classroom. As we sat and listened, we could hear airplanes flying over, people walking down the hall, the buzz of the fluorescent lights on the ceiling, etc. The teacher finally asked us to list the things we heard during the experiment. While the class listened for all of the sounds in the room, no one seemed to notice the teacher scribbling on a piece of paper with her pencil. She explained that no one heard her scribbling because of "noise pollution". All of the other noises we heard were much louder than her scribbling pencil. The object of the lesson was for us to realize that there are sounds happening all around us that we may never hear.
Every now and then, I am reminded of this experiment, and I begin to listen for sounds that I don't usually notice. There is an entire symphony of praise that God orchestrates every day. He pulls the curtain open each morning to a beautiful sunrise. The rhythm of nature is expressed in the wind trickling through the leaves on the trees, the crashing of waves against the shore, and the drops of rain on giant leaves in the rain-forest. Choruses of living creatures give praise to the Lord as whales moan, crickets chirp, mockingbirds sing, and bears growl. Thunder echoes through time and space, as the great timpani of heaven awakens us to the Majesty of our God.
Luke 19:40 tells us, if we keep quiet, the rocks will still cry out in praise to God. Not only will the rocks praise Him, but every living creature will orchestrate a glorious symphony of praise to the Creator of heaven and earth. Thank you, God for Your awesome creation that daily demonstrates for us how to worship You. May we never keep silent, but let us join with all creation in this symphony of praise!
Every now and then, I am reminded of this experiment, and I begin to listen for sounds that I don't usually notice. There is an entire symphony of praise that God orchestrates every day. He pulls the curtain open each morning to a beautiful sunrise. The rhythm of nature is expressed in the wind trickling through the leaves on the trees, the crashing of waves against the shore, and the drops of rain on giant leaves in the rain-forest. Choruses of living creatures give praise to the Lord as whales moan, crickets chirp, mockingbirds sing, and bears growl. Thunder echoes through time and space, as the great timpani of heaven awakens us to the Majesty of our God.
Luke 19:40 tells us, if we keep quiet, the rocks will still cry out in praise to God. Not only will the rocks praise Him, but every living creature will orchestrate a glorious symphony of praise to the Creator of heaven and earth. Thank you, God for Your awesome creation that daily demonstrates for us how to worship You. May we never keep silent, but let us join with all creation in this symphony of praise!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
A Divine Masterpiece
This weekend, my husband, Dale and I went to see the Impressionist Exhibit at the Kimball Art Museum. It was fascinating to see original works by famous painters such as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Cezanne. Although Dale appreciated seeing these great masterpieces, he was satisfied with a 45 minute tour. However, I wanted to linger at each painting to observe every brush stroke, every hue and shading technique. Several art students were at the exhibit taking notes and memorizing the exquisite details in those great works of art. I will probably have to go back and take notes myself!
I was so inspired by the use of color and design that these artists dared to explore during their lifetime. The impressionists rose out of France in the late 1800's and early 1900's. They were rebels against the Western art of the Renaissance period. Up until the late 1800's artists primarily painted formal portraits and Biblical scenes. The Renaissance artists painted realistic, concrete images. The impressionists experimented with figures in every day life and their painting techniques leaned more toward the abstract, and eliminated clean lines. The use of color and vivid brush strokes became more prominent.
What led these brilliant artists to rebel against what was considered to be normal and acceptable? The impressionists were initially criticized for rebelling against the culture of their time. They were continually misunderstood. But what if they hadn't rebelled? We wouldn't have the works of art that are so beautifully admired today.
Sometimes rebellion can be a good thing. I am thankful that Jesus rebelled against the religious culture of His day. The Pharisees, or pious, religious leaders carried an image in their minds of what the Messiah would look like--a majestic king, robed in royal clothing, with a jeweled crown. They pictured Him to be a conquering warrior; a commanding hero who would set up a magnificent earthly kingdom. Yet God sent another portrait of the Messiah--a humble carpenter, dressed in ordinary street clothes, who held children in His lap and spoke to half-breed women. Instead of seizing power over nations and kingdoms, Jesus taught, "the last shall be first and the first shall be last."
Many times I ask myself--what would I have done with this Messiah if I would have lived when Jesus lived? Would I have seen Him for who He was or would I have looked for someone else? I believe that God is still painting images of Jesus today. He is still presenting "brush strokes" and "color schemes" that seem foreign to me at times; foreign because my flesh does not often see the things God's Spirit longs for me to see. Even now, God is rebelling against the culture of our day. He fights against what seems to be normal in our finite realm of thinking..
However, God, in Holy rebellion is painting the Way, the Truth and the Life, and when all is said and done; we will see Him as He is! We will be filled with awe and wonder one day, as we gaze upon the Masterpiece that God has been painting all along. Oh Lord, help us to catch a glimpse of the images of Christ that you are painting in our lives today. May we see with the eyes of the Spirit and not miss the beauty that you long for us to see...
I was so inspired by the use of color and design that these artists dared to explore during their lifetime. The impressionists rose out of France in the late 1800's and early 1900's. They were rebels against the Western art of the Renaissance period. Up until the late 1800's artists primarily painted formal portraits and Biblical scenes. The Renaissance artists painted realistic, concrete images. The impressionists experimented with figures in every day life and their painting techniques leaned more toward the abstract, and eliminated clean lines. The use of color and vivid brush strokes became more prominent.
What led these brilliant artists to rebel against what was considered to be normal and acceptable? The impressionists were initially criticized for rebelling against the culture of their time. They were continually misunderstood. But what if they hadn't rebelled? We wouldn't have the works of art that are so beautifully admired today.
Sometimes rebellion can be a good thing. I am thankful that Jesus rebelled against the religious culture of His day. The Pharisees, or pious, religious leaders carried an image in their minds of what the Messiah would look like--a majestic king, robed in royal clothing, with a jeweled crown. They pictured Him to be a conquering warrior; a commanding hero who would set up a magnificent earthly kingdom. Yet God sent another portrait of the Messiah--a humble carpenter, dressed in ordinary street clothes, who held children in His lap and spoke to half-breed women. Instead of seizing power over nations and kingdoms, Jesus taught, "the last shall be first and the first shall be last."
Many times I ask myself--what would I have done with this Messiah if I would have lived when Jesus lived? Would I have seen Him for who He was or would I have looked for someone else? I believe that God is still painting images of Jesus today. He is still presenting "brush strokes" and "color schemes" that seem foreign to me at times; foreign because my flesh does not often see the things God's Spirit longs for me to see. Even now, God is rebelling against the culture of our day. He fights against what seems to be normal in our finite realm of thinking..
However, God, in Holy rebellion is painting the Way, the Truth and the Life, and when all is said and done; we will see Him as He is! We will be filled with awe and wonder one day, as we gaze upon the Masterpiece that God has been painting all along. Oh Lord, help us to catch a glimpse of the images of Christ that you are painting in our lives today. May we see with the eyes of the Spirit and not miss the beauty that you long for us to see...
Monday, July 14, 2008
Thirsty
This time of year, I consume more water than usual. I just bought a huge case of bottled water and it is already gone! There's just something about the heat that drives us to drink water. Nothing else seems to satisfy like a cold glass of water when we are hot and thirsty.
Our body weight consists of 2/3 water. Water is necessary to regulate our body's systems and maintain proper body temperature. Our bodies use water along with food, as fuel to keep it in good running order. Water lubricates our joints and organs, maintains muscle tone, keeps our skin soft, filters out impurities, and keeps our minds alert. It is also responsible for the movement of nutrients to cells throughout our bodies. Without a doubt, water is a necessary part of our diet. The benefits of drinking plenty of water each day are numerous, and yet there are probably very few of us that want to consume 8-10 glasses of water on a daily basis. We're just not that thirsty! However, in the heat of the summer, I would be more likely to consume more of the recommended daily amount of water than usual.
When the "heat is on" spiritually, where do we go? David the Psalmist cried out in Psalm 42: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after you. My soul thirsts for you oh God." This was not a happy time in David's life. He was oppressed by the enemy and he felt like God had abandoned him. But as a discipline, he recalled the faithfulness of God and he redirected his thoughts to the truth about God's character. In his desperate state, David knew that the water he longed for was hidden in the truths of God's Word. God's character was known to him through his obedience to spend time in the presence of God. He was spiritually thirsty, but he knew where to quench his thirst.
All of the complications of life can quickly deplete us of our spiritual hydration. Drinking the water of God's Word, and spending time in His presence "lubricates" our tired souls. It "regulates" our thoughts and actions and helps us "maintain" spiritual stability. Let us not forget the benefits of the Living Water that God desires to give us on a daily basis. As we reach for our next bottle of water, may it be a reminder to us to hydrate ourselves spiritually as well.
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after You
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You
Our body weight consists of 2/3 water. Water is necessary to regulate our body's systems and maintain proper body temperature. Our bodies use water along with food, as fuel to keep it in good running order. Water lubricates our joints and organs, maintains muscle tone, keeps our skin soft, filters out impurities, and keeps our minds alert. It is also responsible for the movement of nutrients to cells throughout our bodies. Without a doubt, water is a necessary part of our diet. The benefits of drinking plenty of water each day are numerous, and yet there are probably very few of us that want to consume 8-10 glasses of water on a daily basis. We're just not that thirsty! However, in the heat of the summer, I would be more likely to consume more of the recommended daily amount of water than usual.
When the "heat is on" spiritually, where do we go? David the Psalmist cried out in Psalm 42: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after you. My soul thirsts for you oh God." This was not a happy time in David's life. He was oppressed by the enemy and he felt like God had abandoned him. But as a discipline, he recalled the faithfulness of God and he redirected his thoughts to the truth about God's character. In his desperate state, David knew that the water he longed for was hidden in the truths of God's Word. God's character was known to him through his obedience to spend time in the presence of God. He was spiritually thirsty, but he knew where to quench his thirst.
All of the complications of life can quickly deplete us of our spiritual hydration. Drinking the water of God's Word, and spending time in His presence "lubricates" our tired souls. It "regulates" our thoughts and actions and helps us "maintain" spiritual stability. Let us not forget the benefits of the Living Water that God desires to give us on a daily basis. As we reach for our next bottle of water, may it be a reminder to us to hydrate ourselves spiritually as well.
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after You
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship You
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Survivors
There are many tribes of people who live on the Amazon River. I recently observed a particular tribe on a television documentary who challenged me to a better understanding of what it means to survive. With survival as their main goal in life, this tribe devised ways to escape their harsh surroundings and natural elements. They had to work together as a team to build their homes and hunt for food. To survive, they needed to focus and gain strength for their journeys ahead.
In the spiritual world, we are no different than this Amazon tribe. We are trying to survive in a jungle of activity overload and choice overload. In 1978, there were 11, 767 items in the average grocery store. By 1992, that number increased to 24,531 with 186 different types of cereal alone! We are trying to survive as Christians among a culture that continually bombards us with ungodly influences and immorality of every kind. How will we survive? This is no reality T.V. show! This is real life!
One of the keys to survival is to gain strength. In Isiah 30:15, the Lord says, "In quietness and trust is your strength." These two words, "quietness" and "trust" are words that are packed with great energy. It is no small task to quiet oneself and to completely trust in the Lord. To quiet yourself means to be rid of anxiety or to "settle your heart." Fortunately, God wants to help us quiet our hearts. Zephaniah 3:17 says that "He will quiet you with His love." There is nothing more precious in all of human existence than that moment when God quickens us to how much He loves us. We can then become more than conquerors (or survivors) through Him who loves us. (Rom. 8:37) God promises that His love is perfect and it casts out fear. (I John 4:18) If we truly understand His love for us, then it will be so much easier for us to trust in Him to take care of our circumstances.
Throughout the different trials in my life, the Lord has asked me two very important questions, "Do you know that I love you?" and "Do you trust me?" I have come to realize that I cannot even answer these questions with a "yes" until I become so weak, that I allow God's love to empower me. This is true strength. This is survival. The beautiful aspect of God's love is that He not only uses our trying circumstances to reveal His love to us, but He uses them to perfect our love for Him.
We are living in enemy territory--in a world that is against us. I am so thankful that God is on our side! He is fighting for us and He will empower us to survive as we learn to rest in His love and trust Him to provide for our every need. Lord, perfect Your love in us so that we may gain strength for the journey ahead. May we see the urgency to rest in Your love as we live as survivors in a jungle that would seek to devour us. You are our Hope, our Fortress and our Deliverer. We depend on You!
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness...
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand...
In the spiritual world, we are no different than this Amazon tribe. We are trying to survive in a jungle of activity overload and choice overload. In 1978, there were 11, 767 items in the average grocery store. By 1992, that number increased to 24,531 with 186 different types of cereal alone! We are trying to survive as Christians among a culture that continually bombards us with ungodly influences and immorality of every kind. How will we survive? This is no reality T.V. show! This is real life!
One of the keys to survival is to gain strength. In Isiah 30:15, the Lord says, "In quietness and trust is your strength." These two words, "quietness" and "trust" are words that are packed with great energy. It is no small task to quiet oneself and to completely trust in the Lord. To quiet yourself means to be rid of anxiety or to "settle your heart." Fortunately, God wants to help us quiet our hearts. Zephaniah 3:17 says that "He will quiet you with His love." There is nothing more precious in all of human existence than that moment when God quickens us to how much He loves us. We can then become more than conquerors (or survivors) through Him who loves us. (Rom. 8:37) God promises that His love is perfect and it casts out fear. (I John 4:18) If we truly understand His love for us, then it will be so much easier for us to trust in Him to take care of our circumstances.
Throughout the different trials in my life, the Lord has asked me two very important questions, "Do you know that I love you?" and "Do you trust me?" I have come to realize that I cannot even answer these questions with a "yes" until I become so weak, that I allow God's love to empower me. This is true strength. This is survival. The beautiful aspect of God's love is that He not only uses our trying circumstances to reveal His love to us, but He uses them to perfect our love for Him.
We are living in enemy territory--in a world that is against us. I am so thankful that God is on our side! He is fighting for us and He will empower us to survive as we learn to rest in His love and trust Him to provide for our every need. Lord, perfect Your love in us so that we may gain strength for the journey ahead. May we see the urgency to rest in Your love as we live as survivors in a jungle that would seek to devour us. You are our Hope, our Fortress and our Deliverer. We depend on You!
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness...
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand...
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Identity
Ephesians 1:18 "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe."
From current statistics, it is said that identity theft happens every three seconds. I have been a victim of identity theft, and it is a frightening experience! Sandra Bullock starred in a movie a few years ago, where she played a character whose identity was not only stolen, but in all of the electronic systems around the world, she did not even exist. Her name had been completely removed from all Federal and official records. Because identity theft is one of the leading crimes in America, there are companies like LifeLock, whose mission is to prevent identity theft from happening to innocent people.
From a spiritual stand-point, I believe that Satan is in the business of identity theft. As I am in the midst of raising teenagers, I have seen how fragile a person's identity can be. A teen's main question during this turbulent time is "Who am I"? How a teen answers this question will often determine the choices he or she makes. I have found the same thing to be true in my own life, even through my adult years. This simple, yet haunting question "Who am I" continues to echo in my mind.
In last week's article, I wrote about Jesus, the Good Shepherd in John 10, who gently leads us through every season of life. He also calls "His" and he knows us intimately. As His sheep, we can know and recognize His voice. As our Good Shepherd, Jesus affirms our worth to Him, and our purpose to His Kingdom. Yet in John 10, Jesus also mentions the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy any identity we may have in Christ. Satan targets our identity because he knows that those who have a sure identity in Christ are a threat to him. Once we know who we are in Christ, we are able to stand firm against any lies and fiery arrows that Satan may hurl our way. Jesus calls this thief a "stranger"; one who has "trespassed into the sheep pen". He warns us not to listen to the stranger who lies, accuses and deceives us.
In Ephesians 1, the Good Shepherd continues to whisper through the words of the Apostle Paul, "You are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus", "have You are chosen before the foundation of the world", "You are created in Christ because you have believed the Word of Truth", and "You have a glorious inheritance." Jesus has given us prevention from identity theft. He is our "Life Lock". Let us stand firm in the hope to which He has called us. We can be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, and we do not have to ever listen to the stranger's voice.
Thank you God, for You have given us true identity through Your son, Jesus. May we only listen to our Good Shepherd who gives us life, hope, purpose and peace.
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